In Italy, the lung cancer it still remains the second most frequent neoplasm in men (15%) and the third in women (6%), as well as causing a higher number of deaths than any other form of cancer. These tumors are not all the same and scientific research has identified various molecular alterations.
The majority of cases of lung cancer correspond to non-small cell histology and within this group scientific research has identified numerous molecular alterations that can determine the onset and development of the neoplastic pathology. Among these, tumors with an alteration of the ALK gene present a high incidence of brain metastases already at the first diagnosis and a high risk of developing metastases throughout the therapeutic process.
«Patients with the alteration of the ALK gene are younger than average, men and women who are predominantly non-smokers and in good general condition, but with a high incidence of brain metastases at diagnosis (up to 40%)» he confirms Silvia NovelloProfessor of Medical Oncology at the Department of Oncology of the University of Turin and president of WALCE Onlus (Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe).
Lung cancer: here is the drug that prevents brain metastases
«The central nervous system is also a frequent site of disease progression for these patients. Therefore, the prevention of brain metastases during the first line of treatment it plays a fundamental role in the management of the disease. This is why today we have “targeted” therapies that act on specific molecular targets, improving patients’ life expectancy and its quality compared to traditional chemotherapy.”
It is the case of lorlatiniba drug specifically designed to overcome the blood-brain barrier and therefore act at a brain level, as well as to also be active in previously treated patients in whom secondary resistance mutations have developed.
«The greater efficacy of lorlatinib was highlighted in all parameters evaluated, with a reduction in the risk of disease progression equal to 73%, while 82% of patients with brain metastases experienced an intracranial response, which was complete in 71% of cases” he explains Filippo de MarinisDirector of the Division of Thoracic Oncology at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan and president of AIOT (Italian Association of
Thoracic Oncology). «Targeted therapy therefore continues to bring significant results, also demonstrating long-term benefits never seen before in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer».